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Town of Ocean Ridge |
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ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGE, FLORIDA, TO BE HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1999, AT 5:00 P.M. The meeting was attended by Town Manager Gregory Dunham, Town Clerk Hancsak and the following members: Bud Aaskov, Kim Beaumont, Jerry Goray, Charlotte Carle, Jerry Lower, Barbara Souther, and Don MaGruder. Town Manager Dunham stated that he appreciated that the members attending the meeting one hour earlier. He added that Commissioner Kaleel wanted to address the board regarding item IV and unfortunately he had a conflict for 6:00 PM. Town Clerk Hancsak advised that Commissioner Kaleel telephoned and advised that he was running slightly late. The board unanimously approved the minutes of the August 22, 1999 meeting.
Town Manager Dunham advised that the Commission approved drawing "B" and authorized the purchase of the entrance signs at the Oct. 4, 1999 meeting. Mrs. Souther questioned how many signs were approved to which she was advised that the Commission approved four, however, they also favored two signs for Ocean Ave. Town Manager Dunham added that the Commission also approved that the lighting and landscaping be completed at the same time. Mr. Dunham stated that he and Mr. Goray would be meeting the Glen Weldon, Bright Image Sign Systems, to finalize the project. The board was also advised that the turtle logo was approved and the lettering would be Verde green in color. Chairman Aaskov questioned whether the signage for Old Ocean Blvd. was discussed. Mr. Dunham stated that this item will be addressed next with the Commission. He also stated that discussions with Bright Image included the question of liability involved when changing actual traffic enforcement signs. They suggested encasing the enforcement signs with a coquina look wood foam frame and he displayed a drawing depicting same. Mr. MaGruder moved to applaud the efforts of Mr. Goray and the Town Manager. The motion was seconded and approved by all. Mr. Goray stated that he would request that Glen Weldon prepare a sketching for the traffic signs for the next meeting. Town Manager Dunham commented that the next step would be the contract with Bright Image Sign Systems to complete at least the south and Beachway Dr. entrance signs, due to the Ocean Ave. and impending Ocean Inlet Park construction.
Commissioner Kaleel arrived at approximately 5:25 PM and thanked the board for meeting earlier. He distributed a conceptual drawing and stated that during his tenure as Mayor he was approached by Commissioner Newell, who is very sensitive regarding the Lake Worth Lagoon areas, regarding the Corrine Street property and the private property immediately to the south. It was mentioned that Beer Can Island is now owned by an Endowment Foundation and there seems to be no actual place for citizens to go to be near the environmentally sensitive ICWW areas. He stated that Commissioner Newell questioned whether the town might be interested in a joint venture for this property on a marine/water standpoint where small boaters could go to enjoy a natural setting to picnic and travel through the mangroves. Commissioner Kaleel advised him that the town may be interested if it was feasible and beneficial to the town. He added that Commissioner Newell favored only a docking area, but, Commissioner Kaleel stated that if the area was being cleaned out of the invasives as part of the project, he would like an area where canoes could meander through to enjoy nature. Commissioner Kaleel added he would also like access for residents walking from land but no parking. Commissioner Kaleel commented that a bond referendum regarding preserving wetland areas was recently passed. He added that the County could possibly do this type of project without our approval, so it may be in the town’s best interests to work with the county. He stated that during the process the invasives would be removed by the county, the property would still be owned by the town, the county would maintain the mangroves, there would be no night effects, docks would be located in the middle area only (not visible from the ICWW), the property located south of the town owned property would remain natural, the residents would have a boardwalk available to access the area and the town may possibly receive monetary assistance for the Beachway/SR A1A property, and the cleaning out of the property behind the Town Hall for possible meandering canals. Mr. Lower expressed his approval of the proposed project. Mr. MaGruder clarified that the water flow would improve with the dredging of canals and added his only concern was the potential possible loitering and policing the area to which Commissioner Kaleel stated that was one of the hurdles that would have to be concentrated on. He also stated that the entrance could be locked at night similar to other county parks. Commissioner Kaleel stated that he has not approached the Commission or Pelican Cove yet and added that he was seeking input from this board first. He stated that the County will not pursue the project without the endorsement of the town, however, he did say that several government agencies are interested in the project which can cost millions of dollars. Chairman Aaskov questioned if any residents from Anna St. were approached. Commissioner Kaleel stated that he had spoken to several residents who were not against the project. Commissioner Kaleel compared this project to that of Mangrove Park in Boynton Beach by stating that it is rarely ever visited. Mrs. Carle commented that she felt this project would be beneficial to residents as well as other citizens, positive for the environment and an excellent recreational concept. The other members concurred. The board unanimously approved the concept, however, they suggested that the canal contain one meandering loop, possibly extend the boardwalk to the berm of the ICWW if it was not visible from the ICWW, extend the park area further south still retaining an ample buffer from Harbour Drive, and closing the area from dusk to dawn. Commissioner Kaleel took this opportunity to commend the board on their efforts in designing the new entrance signs and their dedication to beautifying the town. Charlotte Carle announced her resignation to travel abroad for the next year. Chairman Aaskov and the board extended their best wishes and requested that the Commission forward a letter of appreciation to Mrs. Carle. Chairman Aaskov questioned if there were any suggestions for a replacement for Mrs. Carle. Mrs. Carle suggested Tom Horton, 4 Coconut Lane, stating that he was a professor at FAU and was very concerned with the environment. The other members concurred. Town Clerk Hancsak advised that the Commission would consider the appointment of Mr. Horton at the Nov. 1, 1999 meeting. Mr. Goray commented that the board had previously discussed the possibility of the Town Manager supervising the public works employees. The board concurred that the Town Manager should have this responsibility. Mr. Goray moved to recommend that the Town Commission consider appointing the Town Manager as the direct public works supervisor at the Nov. 1, 1999 meeting, seconded by Mrs. Souther. Motion carried - all Yea. Mr. Goray commented that following Hurricane Irene he noticed that the untrimmed seagrapes were the ones that uprooted during the storm. He requested that the seagrapes be discussed at the next meeting. Mr. MaGruder stated that the property located at Beachway/SR A1A filled with water during the storm and feels there could be potential flooding if the area was cleaned out. Chairman Aaskov stated that only a portion would be utilized for a park. Commissioner Kaleel stated there could be many benefits for this property with the right plan. The next meeting date was changed to Tuesday, November 23, 1999. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:40 P.M. |
